Report: Manresa dinner

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Report: Manresa dinner

Recently went to Manresa with 5 close friends in early Feb. The quick take is, "if CP did a tasting menu like FL but from left field." Very good service but not overdone. Mostly local ingredients, excellent technique, but very unusual combo (pine needle ice cream with grapefruit granita, gamay gelee) that work despite what you might think. Environment - California, casual but well done.

Had the tasting menu with amuses before hand. 2.5 bottles of wine. Here's some notes cribbed off a fellow diner, with my notes in prentices.

The thing about Manresa is the food doesn't reference anything in particular. You can see French and Asian influences but none overpower. This "might" be the next step in haute California cuisine -- excellent prep, well-thought out, surprising yet using many local ingredients. Very delicate prep with an intellectual edge, or an edge to curiosity and surprise. There were no losers in any dish. In the ranking of tasting menus and Michelin stars, it's right up there with French Laundry..not better, not worse just different in an unexpected way. Meal took about 4 hours.

My only observation is Manresa might best be experienced in the late spring or early summer with their garden is ramped up given the use of fresh ingredients. Next visit will definitely be during spring or early summer.

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